Kiowa artist recognized with special day

FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2003
By Liz Pollard

ANADARKO, Oklahoma -- Robert Redbird, native Oklahoman and renowned Kiowa artist, will be honored on Saturday, June 7, according to a proclamation by Governor Henry. That day has been proclaimed Robert Redbird Day for all the state of Oklahoma. The ceremony will occur during the annual celebration of Satethieday Khatgomebaugh (Society of Satanta's People), a nonprofit which Redbird cofounded with Billy Evans Horse.

Born in 1939 Redbird grew up around Mountain View and Gotebo and now resides in Anadarko. He is a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and the Kiowa Gourd Clan, and an artist noted for his depiction of his tribe's ceremonials and spirituality in his works.

Redbird's art is full of his conviction that Native American culture is a beautiful way of life. He has studied the culture of many Indian nations beside his own, and this vast knowledge of American Indian traditions is evident in his paintings. His art conveys his feel for Kiowa tradition and ceremonies, for the spiritual in the cultures of many tribes, and for the world of nature.

Redbird has received many top awards at shows like the Colorado Indian Market, the Dallas Cultural Center, the Heard Museum Show, the Gallup Ceremonial, the Oklahoma Indian Art Center Invitational, the American Indian Exposition, and many others. In 2002, he was selected as the featured artist for the Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma City. Redbird was chosen for his technical contributions to be inducted into the National Motion Picture Hall of Fame, and in 1998 he was inducted into the Kiowa Hall of Fame.

In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Redbird's travels with his art led him to many places, and wherever he has gone, he has left a trail of humanitarian achievements. He is an ordained minister and a gospel musician, and his deep religious convictions have prompted him to establish missions to aid the poor in various places. He often uses his art to contribute to important causes, such as the paintings he sent to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to be sold for funds to help the victims of the terrorist attacks in that city in September of 2001. At the same time, he contributed in a similar manner to the firefighters' organization there for the aid of those families who lost firefighter members during that time.

For both his artistic and humanitarian achievements, Robert Redbird is now once again honored by the state he calls his home, as well as by an organization he helped to found. The citizens of Anadarko and surrounding areas may participate in the celebration by attending the Satethieday Khatgomebaugh annual dance on June 7 at the Wichita Tribal Park, just North of town. The event is scheduled for 2 to 11 p.m.